France Indicates Support For Palestinian U.N. Vote

PARIS (Reuters) - France on Thursday indicated it would support efforts by the Palestinians to secure a diplomatic upgrade at the United Nations in a quest for greater international recognition.

Frustrated that their bid for full U.N. membership failed in the U.N. Security Council last year amid U.S. opposition, the Palestinians have launched a watered-down bid for recognition as a "non-member state", similar to the Vatican's U.N. status.

This request can be approved by the U.N. General Assembly, where Washington has no veto, and seems certain to pass.

Without specifically saying which way France would vote, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius hinted at support.